The Pump Handle
Study: Sending nonviolent drug offenders to treatment instead of prison saves money
Posted by The Pump Handle on May 24, 2013 When it comes to nonviolent drug offenses, systems that favor treatment over incarceration not only produce better health outcomes, they save money, too. It’s yet another example of how investing in public health and prevention yields valuable returns on investment.
ATF obstructs safety investigators examining blast at West Fertilizer
Posted by Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH of George Washington University School of Public Health & Health Services on May 23, 2013 The federal, State and local authorities investigating the West Fertilizer plant disaster each have different responsibilities and expertise. The ATF is acting like its task is the only one that matters.
“Lead Wars” – The politics of prevention and responsibility
Posted by The Pump Handle on May 22, 2013 A new book from Gerald Markowitz and David Rosner tells the disheartening story of our country’s ongoing failure to fully protect children from lead poisoning
Healthcare costs and tradeoffs: Air conditioners and teachers’ salaries edition
Posted by Liz Borkowski on May 21, 2013 Ezra Klein talks to Bill Gates and Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber about investing in disease prevention and the tradeoffs in healthcare spending decisions.
Teenagers’ calorie consumption at McDonalds versus Subway
Posted by Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH of George Washington University School of Public Health & Health Services on May 20, 2013 Researchers compare the calories purchased by teenagers at McDonald’s versus Subway.
Happy Bike to Work Day!
Posted by Liz Borkowski on May 17, 2013 For more safe bicycle commuting, cities should invest in bicycling infrastructure and enforce safety rules.
Colorado community demanded health impact review of 200 proposed natural gas wells
Posted by Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH of George Washington University School of Public Health & Health Services on May 16, 2013 The residents of Battlement Mesa didn’t want their “Colorado Dream” to turn into a nightmare because of a proposed hydrofracking project. They turned to a Health Impact Assessment for help.
Waiting for Obama Administration to deliver on new worker safety regulations, probably shouldn’t hold my breath
Posted by Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH of George Washington University School of Public Health & Health Services on May 15, 2013 Spring 2013 looked like it would be a banner season for progress by the Obama Administration on new worker safety regulations; not so much anymore.
Wage theft in South Florida: Nation’s first county with wage theft protections reports on progress and perils
Posted by The Pump Handle on May 14, 2013 Earlier this month, Florida lawmakers wrapped up their latest legislative session. And nearly 500 miles south of Tallahassee in Miami-Dade County, workers’ rights advocates breathed yet another sigh of relief.
Occupational Health News Roundup
Posted by Liz Borkowski on May 13, 2013 A fire at a Bangladesh factory increases the death toll of workers in that country and increases pressure on retailers who sell clothing made in Bangladesh; fast-food workers in St. Louis walk off the job, demanding higher pay and the right to unionize; and retired football players often face high healthcare costs after their NFL insurance has expired.